Plans to buy land from absentee landlords at the Coast will only benefit genuine squatters, President William Ruto has announced.

The President warned of stern action against individuals invading land in the pretext that it will be allocated to them.

“We are being told that some people are invading land owned by absentee landlords in the hope of benefitting from the government programme. Only squatters will benefit,” he said.

Speaking when he laid the foundation stone for 154 units of the Diani Affordable Housing Project in Kwale County on Tuesday, President Ruto directed police to be vigilant and arrest those who invade people’s lands.

“No Kenyan will be allowed to invade other people’s property. It’s unconstitutional. We are only sorting out the problem of those who are squatting on such land,” the President said.

He said the government’s strategy to pay absentee landlords is aimed at resolving historical land disputes and issuing title deeds to residents without ownership documents.

“We are issuing title deeds in the coastal region to address the longstanding land problem that has made many residents squatters, denying them the socio-economic benefits of land ownership,” he explained.

At the same time, the President pointed out that the government is focusing on four key areas to create job opportunities for Kenyans.

He singled out the Affordable Housing Programme as one of the initiatives that has so far created more than 250,000 jobs across the country.

The President explained that the Government was doing everything possible to ensure that every part of the country is benefitting from the 170,000 housing units under construction.

He pointed out that work abroad is another programme aimed at creating jobs. He pointed out that Kenya has signed bilateral labour agreements with several countries, including Germany Germany, tapping labour and talent from within.

Already, the President announced, 2070 Kenyans have secured jobs outside the country, courtesy of the labour agreements.

Other deliberate policies of creating jobs include the establishment of ICT hubs in every ward across Kenya where young people can learn digital skills that will enable them to earn a living through online jobs.

The establishment of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks and special economic zones are other avenues of creating jobs.

“We are asking the youth to take advantage of the government’s initiatives to empower themselves economically,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Ruto said the government has a comprehensive plan to tap resources in the blue economy.

“We are buying 125 well-equipped fishing boats to enable fishermen to be in the ocean for even 10 days engaging in economic activities,” he said.

He explained that Shimoni and Mwaembe fish landing sites will be improved, saying they play an important role in providing employment opportunities for the youth.

President Ruto pointed out that the blue economy is an economic game changer for the country if its potential is well harnessed.

On politics, the President said he is working with opposition leaders for the sake of national unity and prosperity.

Speaking during the laying of the foundation stone for an X-ray Block and opening of a theatre at Mkongani Sub-County Hospital in Kwale, President Ruto said elections are over and it is time for all leaders, regardless of political differences, to work for Kenyans.

He insisted that it is the reason he decided to form a broad based government that unites all Kenyans.

“There should be no discrimination in development or on any other issue. Elections are over and it’s time to serve Kenyans,” he said.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged Kenyans to shun divisions of any nature. He noted that this was the reason President Ruto decided to work with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga despite being opponents in the 2022 presidential elections.

“For our country to develop, we must foster national unity, shun ethnic and religious divisions, and be one united people and nation. That way, God will bless our country,” he said.

Earlier, President Ruto launched phased two of the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity projects at Kiwegu Secondary School grounds in Vanga, Kwale County.

The KSh1.4 billion project will provide electricity to more than 12,700 households, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth.

The President also commissioned classrooms and a well-equipped laboratory at Kiwegu Secondary School, enhancing access to quality education.

While at Diani, the President issued 6,200 title deeds to Kwale County residents.

Governor Fatuma Achani and several MPs accompanied the President.